Von Willebrand disease and gastrointestinal bleeding: A national inpatient sample study

Gastrointestinal tract bleeding (GIB) is a serious complication of von Willebrand Disease (VWD), but little is known regarding prevalence and risk factors. We, therefore, evaluated correlates of GIB among VWD using a large national database.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult discharges from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2009 and 2014. International Disease Classification codes were used to identify those with and without VWD with and without GIB. Prevalence estimates were weighted using NIS-provided discharge-level weights to reflect national estimates. Categorical variables were compared by Rao-Scott chi-square test, continuous variables by weighted simple linear regression, and independent factors associated with GIB in VWD were determined by weighted multivariable logistic regression.

GIB is more prevalent in VWD, 3.70%, than those without VWD, 1.49%, p < .0001, and is more common in those who are younger, male, or Black than in VWD without GIB, each p < .001. Comorbidities of GIB in VWD include surgery, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, each more common than in VWD without GIB, p < .0001. VWD with GIB also have higher length of stay and inpatient mortality, p < .0001. In a multivariable model, variables significantly associated with GIB in VWD were angiodysplasia, diverticulitis, hepatitis C, black race, male gender, and smoking, each p < .001.

GIB is more common in VWD who are young, black, or male, and the most significant predictors of GIB include angiodysplasia, diverticulitis, hepatitis C, and smoking. After a first GIB, such individuals should consider factor prophylaxis to prevent GIB recurrence and associated morbidity.